Rockets’ White puts protocol onus on league

With no end to his impasse with the Rockets in sight, rookie forward Royce White said it is likely that he never plays in the NBA, citing a lack of league-wide protocol for dealing with mental health issues, including his anxiety disorder.

“I think that the chances are very high,” White said in an interview on Sirius/XM radio on Friday. “And I say that just like I said before the draft that the chances were very high that I didn’t even get drafted. Because business in America, as we all know, is about one thing and that’s convenience and efficiency. And oftentimes what the efficient thing to do is not the healthiest thing to do, right? It wouldn’t shock me if we couldn’t be logical and say a protocol is needed because it’ll be the hard thing to do. If that’s the case then so be it. I stand on what I say and I refuse to put myself in a hazardous situation to play a sport.”

Changing teams no help
White had previously charged the Rockets with giving inconsistent support and failing to adhere to doctors’ recommendations for his return to the team. But when asked about playing for another team, White said leaving the Rockets would not provide a solution.

“I don’t see that going to another team would help anything because no matter what team I go to a protocol is still going to need to be put in place,” White said. “It’s a league thing. The reality is that it is not Houston’s fault. … And they’ve been thrown into a position now where they’re forced to make things up as they go because a protocol has not been put in place for mental health up until this point.

“I don’t really think going to another team is something that would be better. And it’s not something that I want to do. I want to play for Houston.”

White, 21, has been away from the team since Nov. 12. He worked out with basketball staff intern Derrick Alston last week, sessions that were considered a step toward returning to the team, a person with knowledge of the plan said. The next step was to be a stint with the Rockets NBA Development League affiliate, according to the person familiar with the plan. The Rockets assigned White to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers on Saturday. He released a statement the next day saying he would not report to the team.

Putting faith in doctors
“We’ve been in discussion about this protocol now for a good month and I had agreed to go back to at least doing a routine recovery, which is something that was a period of time where we say, OK, let’s get him back into playing shape and mentally and physically ready to come back to the court when a protocol is approved because the situation obviously has taken a toll not only on my mental health but my physical health,” White said. “And that routine recovery was OK’d by their doctors and in the 12th hour kind of made a D-League recommendation. And I said, ‘I’m going to go with what the doctors are saying and if you guys want to fine me or suspend me because I’m not going to the D-League you can do that, but I’m going to stick with what the doctors have said.

“This is about — in general — who has executive authority in medical incidents or on everyday operations because the reality here is that it’s just not logical for somebody like Daryl Morey, for example, who is my GM, to say yea or nay on anything regarding medical situations. And that’s kind of where the rule stands now, is that a GM has the right to decline the medical recommendations of even their own doctors. And that’s just not safe to me.”

White did not say specifically what doctors have recommended and Rockets officials have declined to comment.

• • •

Tonight: Rockets at Cleveland

When/where: 6:30 p.m.; Quicken Loans Arena.

TV/radio: CSNH; 790 AM, 99.1 FM, 850 AM (Spanish).

Rockets (19-14) update: The Rockets are 4-3 in the second of back-to-back games but winless on the road in those situations. … Omer Asik matched his career high with 21 points against New Orleans on Wednesday. … James Harden has scored more than 20 points in 15 consecutive games, a career best.

Cavs (8-26) update: Kyrie Irving’s 23.1 points per game is the best in the NBA among point guards. … Former Texas Longhorn Tristan Thompson already has 11 double-doubles this season. He had just nine as a rookie. … This will be the second-half of Cleveland’s 12th set of back-to-back games this season. They are 1-10 in those games.

• • •

Take a game-by-game look at the Rockets’ season.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Image 1 of 89

May 3: Thunder 103, Rockets 94

The Rockets season came to a close in front of a rowdy crowd at Toyota Center as the Thunder closed out the best-of-seven series in Game 6.Thunder win series 4-2

May 3: Thunder 103, Rockets 94

The Rockets season came to a close in front of a rowdy crowd at Toyota Center as the Thunder closed out the best-of-seven series in Game 6.Thunder win series 4-2

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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May 1: Rockets 107, Thunder 100

The Rockets kept their playoff lives alive by knocking off OKC, at home, in a hostile environment.
Thunder lead series 3-2

May 1: Rockets 107, Thunder 100

The Rockets kept their playoff lives alive by knocking off OKC, at home, in a hostile environment.
Thunder lead series 3-2

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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April 29: Rockets 105, Thunder 103

Chandler Parsons led the way as the NBA's youngest team won its first playoff game against Oklahoma City.
Thunder lead series 3-1

April 29: Rockets 105, Thunder 103

Chandler Parsons led the way as the NBA's youngest team won its first playoff game against Oklahoma City.
Thunder lead series 3-1

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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April 27: Thunder 104, Rockets 101

Houston rallied from a tremendous deficit but could not stop Kevin Durant in the closing minutes.
Thunder lead series 3-0

April 27: Thunder 104, Rockets 101

Houston rallied from a tremendous deficit but could not stop Kevin Durant in the closing minutes.
Thunder lead series 3-0

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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April 24: Thunder 105, Rockets 102

Houston was much improved in its second playoff game, but couldn't put the finishing touches on a fourth-quarter rally.
Thunder lead series 2-0

April 24: Thunder 105, Rockets 102

Houston was much improved in its second playoff game, but couldn't put the finishing touches on a fourth-quarter rally.
Thunder lead series 2-0

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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April 21: Thunder 120, Rockets 91

The Rockets fell into a 1-0 hole against the No. 1 Thunder after an embarrassing loss in Oklahoma City to open the series.
Thunder lead series 1-0

April 21: Thunder 120, Rockets 91

The Rockets fell into a 1-0 hole against the No. 1 Thunder after an embarrassing loss in Oklahoma City to open the series.
Thunder lead series 1-0

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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April 18: Lakers 99, Rockets 95

Houston let a lead slip away, allowing Los Angeles to finish ahead in the final regular-season standings.
Record: 45-37.

April 18: Lakers 99, Rockets 95

Houston let a lead slip away, allowing Los Angeles to finish ahead in the final regular-season standings.
Record: 45-37.

Photo: Jae C. Hong / Associated Press

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April 15: Suns 119, Rockets 112

The Rockets couldn't knock off the lowly Suns in Phoenix as the regular season nears its end.
Record: 45-36.

April 15: Suns 119, Rockets 112

The Rockets couldn't knock off the lowly Suns in Phoenix as the regular season nears its end.
Record: 45-36.

Photo: Matt York / Associated Press

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April 14: Rockets 121, Kings 100

The Rockets took care of the Kings in the regular season home finale behind James Harden's 29 points.
Record: 45-35.

April 14: Rockets 121, Kings 100

The Rockets took care of the Kings in the regular season home finale behind James Harden's 29 points.
Record: 45-35.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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April 12: Grizzlies 82, Rockets 78

A 30-point performance by James Harden wasn't enough for Houston to finish the comeback against Memphis.
Record: 44-35.

April 12: Grizzlies 82, Rockets 78

A 30-point performance by James Harden wasn't enough for Houston to finish the comeback against Memphis.
Record: 44-35.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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April 9: Rockets 101, Suns 98

The Rockets came away with a win against the Suns after James Harden's last second 3-pointer was counted due to goaltending by Suns center Jermaine O'Neal.
Record: 44-34.

April 9: Rockets 101, Suns 98

The Rockets came away with a win against the Suns after James Harden's last second 3-pointer was counted due to goaltending by Suns center Jermaine O'Neal.
Record: 44-34.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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April 6: Nuggets 132, Rockets 114

Houston had trouble containing an athletic Denver team, losing all four games to the Nuggets this season.
Record: 43-34.

April 6: Nuggets 132, Rockets 114

Houston had trouble containing an athletic Denver team, losing all four games to the Nuggets this season.
Record: 43-34.

With almost a fully healthy roster, Houston outlasted Sacramento at the Sleep Train Arena.
Record: 42-33.

April 3: Rockets 112, Kings 102

With almost a fully healthy roster, Houston outlasted Sacramento at the Sleep Train Arena.
Record: 42-33.

Photo: Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press

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April 1: Rockets 111, Magic 103

Omer Asik (22 points and 18 rebounds) led the Harden and Parson-less Rockets to a huge first half lead and then let the backups take care of business in the fourth quarter against the lowly Magic.
Record: 41-33. less

April 1: Rockets 111, Magic 103

Omer Asik (22 points and 18 rebounds) led the Harden and Parson-less Rockets to a huge first half lead and then let the backups take care of business in the fourth quarter ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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March 30: Rockets 98, Clippers 81

Chandler Parsons throws down two of his 15 points during the blowout victory.
Record: 40-33.

March 30: Rockets 98, Clippers 81

Chandler Parsons throws down two of his 15 points during the blowout victory.
Record: 40-33.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Chronicle

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March 29: Grizzlies 103, Rockets 94

With the loss, Memphis moved up 2-1 over Houston in the season series.
Record: 39-33.

March 29: Grizzlies 103, Rockets 94

With the loss, Memphis moved up 2-1 over Houston in the season series.
Record: 39-33.

Photo: Danny Johnston / Associated Press

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March 27: Pacers 100, Rockets 91

Indiana is the NBA's top defensive unit and they came to Houston and effectively shut down the league's top offensive unit.
Record: 39-32.

March 27: Pacers 100, Rockets 91

Indiana is the NBA's top defensive unit and they came to Houston and effectively shut down the league's top offensive unit.
Record: 39-32.

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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March 24: Rockets 96, Spurs 95

James Harden hit the game-winning jumper with just under five seconds left as the Rockets held off the Spurs in the heat of the playoff race.
Record: 39-31.

March 24: Rockets 96, Spurs 95

James Harden hit the game-winning jumper with just under five seconds left as the Rockets held off the Spurs in the heat of the playoff race.
Record: 39-31.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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March 22: Rockets 116, Cavaliers 78

Houston's reserve players got to play in the fourth quarter and the Rockets took control against Cleveland long before the end of regulation.
Record: 38-31.

March 22: Rockets 116, Cavaliers 78

Houston's reserve players got to play in the fourth quarter and the Rockets took control against Cleveland long before the end of regulation.
Record: 38-31.

The Rockets watched a 19-point lead after three quarters shrink quickly in the closing minutes, but thanks to some clutch drives by Jeremy Lin and great free throw shooting by James Harden they were able to hold on for their 37th victory of the season.
Record: 37-31. less

March 20: Rockets 100, Jazz 93

The Rockets watched a 19-point lead after three quarters shrink quickly in the closing minutes, but thanks to some clutch drives by Jeremy Lin and great free throw shooting by ... more

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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March 17: Warriors 108, Rockets 78

A cold start from the field led to the worst loss of the season for James Harden and Co.
Record: 36-31.

March 17: Warriors 108, Rockets 78

A cold start from the field led to the worst loss of the season for James Harden and Co.
Record: 36-31.

James Harden's first career triple-double led the Rockets to a hard-fought win against the Bobcats. Patrick Patterson contributed 14 fourth quarter points.
Record: 26-23.

Feb. 2: Rockets 109, Bobcats 95

James Harden's first career triple-double led the Rockets to a hard-fought win against the Bobcats. Patrick Patterson contributed 14 fourth quarter points.
Record: 26-23.

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Chronicle

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Jan. 30: Nuggets 118, Rockets 110

James Harden scored 21 points, but Danilo Gallinari's 27 points (15 in the second half) led the Nuggets to the win.
Record: 25-23.

Jan. 30: Nuggets 118, Rockets 110

James Harden scored 21 points, but Danilo Gallinari's 27 points (15 in the second half) led the Nuggets to the win.
Record: 25-23.

Photo: Joe Mahoney / Associated Press

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Jan. 26: Rockets 125, Jazz 80

Utah had a difficult time containing Houston, as the Rockets won their third consecutive contest. Jeremy Lin had 12 points and seven assists
Record: 25-22.

Jan. 26: Rockets 125, Jazz 80

Utah had a difficult time containing Houston, as the Rockets won their third consecutive contest. Jeremy Lin had 12 points and seven assists
Record: 25-22.

Photo: Rick Bowmer / Associated Press

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Jan. 26: Rockets 119, Nets 106

The Rockets were unstoppable on offense in this one, putting up 119 points on Brooklyn.
Record: 24-22.

Jan. 26: Rockets 119, Nets 106

The Rockets were unstoppable on offense in this one, putting up 119 points on Brooklyn.
Record: 24-22.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Jan. 25: Rockets 100, Hornets 82

The Rockets won three out of four games against New Orleans this season.
Record: 23-22.

Jan. 25: Rockets 100, Hornets 82

The Rockets won three out of four games against New Orleans this season.
Record: 23-22.

Photo: Gerald Herbert / Associated Press

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Jan. 23: Nuggets 105, Rockets 95

The Nuggets used a 36-22 third quarter differential to coast to an easy win in Houston.
Record: 22-22.

Jan. 23: Nuggets 105, Rockets 95

The Nuggets used a 36-22 third quarter differential to coast to an easy win in Houston.
Record: 22-22.

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle

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Jan. 21: Rockets 100, Bobcats 94

James Harden scored a team-high 29 points and Carlos Delfino added 16 off the bench as the Rockets snapped their seven-game losing streak.
Record: 22-21.

Jan. 21: Rockets 100, Bobcats 94

James Harden scored a team-high 29 points and Carlos Delfino added 16 off the bench as the Rockets snapped their seven-game losing streak.
Record: 22-21.

Photo: Chuck Burton / Associated Press

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Jan. 19: Timberwolves 92, Rockets 79

Cold shooting and turnovers lead to more losing as the Rockets dropped a seventh game in a row.
Record: 21-21.

Jan. 19: Timberwolves 92, Rockets 79

Cold shooting and turnovers lead to more losing as the Rockets dropped a seventh game in a row.
Record: 21-21.

Photo: Stacy Bengs / Associated Press

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Jan. 18: Pacers 105, Rockets 95

The Rockets couldn't keep up with the red-hot shooting by the Pacers (46% from the field, 58% for 3s) and fell to 7-13 on the road this season.
Record: 21-20.

Jan. 18: Pacers 105, Rockets 95

The Rockets couldn't keep up with the red-hot shooting by the Pacers (46% from the field, 58% for 3s) and fell to 7-13 on the road this season.
Record: 21-20.

Photo: Darron Cummings / Associated Press

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Jan. 16: Mavericks 105, Rockets 100

The Rockets were able to tie the game up in the fourth quarter before the Mavericks sealed their fate in the closing minutes. The Rockets have now lost 13 straight games to division opponents when playing away from Toyota Center.
Record: 21-19. less

Jan. 16: Mavericks 105, Rockets 100

The Rockets were able to tie the game up in the fourth quarter before the Mavericks sealed their fate in the closing minutes. The Rockets have now lost 13 straight games to ... more

Photo: Paul Moseley / McClatchy-Tribune News Service

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Jan. 15: Clippers 117, Rockets 109

Even without star point guard Chris Paul, Los Angeles made easy work of the Rockets. Houston lost it's fourth consecutive game.
Record: 21-18.

Jan. 15: Clippers 117, Rockets 109

Even without star point guard Chris Paul, Los Angeles made easy work of the Rockets. Houston lost it's fourth consecutive game.
Record: 21-18.